May 6, 2008 Board meeting minutes

GOSHEN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION

(Back)

A Public Hearing of the Board of Education of the Goshen Central School District, Orange County, New York, was held in the Board of Education Room at the Main Street, on Tuesday, May 6, 2008, at 7:00 p.m.

Present Mrs. Judy Green, President
Mrs. Martha Bogart, Vice President
Mr. James Kimiecik
Mr. Robert Kish
Mr. Steve Esposito
Mr. Alvin Watson
Mr. Michael Stroka
Superintendent of Schools Mr. Roy Reese
Assistant Superintendent for Business Mr. Robert Miller
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum Mrs. Jane Unhjem
Principals:
Mr. Robert Litz, Mr. Kent Maslin, Mrs. Mary Ann Knight, and Mrs. Daria Murphy
Assistant Principals: Mrs. Patricia Lercara, Mr. John Piscitella, Ms. Colleen Kane, and Ms. Melissa Lawson
Director of Buildings & Grounds Mr. James Riley
Director of Pupil Personnel Services Ms. Barbara Butler
CSE Chairperson Ms. Deirdre Hallinan
Director of Athletics Mr. Robert Siracuse
Student Senate Representative Peter Orlando
Members of the Faculty, Press and Citizens of the District

The Public Hearing was called to order by President, Mrs. Judy Green at 7:02 p.m. Roy Reese and Jane Unhjem presented an overview of the proposed budget to the audience, acknowledging the hard work by the Citizens’ Budget Advisory Committee.

The proposed budget is $59,325,743 which is an increase of 6.9% over the 2006/07 budget, with a tax levy increase of 6.8%. A breakdown of the budget development process was presented explaining increases due to fuel costs (heat, transportation, and delivery costs), Incarcerated Youth, SCARS, assessment errors and tax certioraris, and services for special needs students, as well as falling interest rates.

A comparison of the Administrative, Instructional, and Capital lines was highlighted over a three year period. A budget history and tax levy history was presented. State Aid will result in $13,913,549. The Bus Proposition and Capital Improvement Proposition were presented. Three candidates are running for two open board seats.

An overview of an austerity budget was presented to the audience. A calculation based on the Consumer Price Index is used to formulate an austerity budget. Strict guidelines and limitations are mandated by the State. Limitations include no equipment purchases, no community use of facilities without full reimbursement and non-essential maintenance and capital projects except in an emergency. Reductions in co-curricular programs, athletics and other student activities are also mandated.

In summary voters will go to the polls on May 20, to vote on the proposed budget, bus proposition, capital improvement project and to elect two board members.

The Public Hearing was closed at 7:50 p.m.

The regular meeting was called to order by President, Mrs. Judy Green at 7:51 p.m. Mrs. Green led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silent meditation remembering the family of Hilda Ball, retiree, family of Hannah Crossley, the Maslin family and Dise family.

Mrs. Green thanked Mr. Reese, Mrs. Unhjem and Mr. Miller on the budget presentation.
On a motion by Michael Stroka and seconded by James Kimiecik the Board of Education accepted the draft of minutes of April 7, 2008 and April 17, 2008. AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

The Treasurer’s Report for February 2008 was acknowledged under Financial Update.
The Audit Committee asked for final report on recommendations presented by the Audit Committee regarding last year’s audit.

The Board received the following correspondence: NYSSBA All in Favor Cast your vote for student success brochure; District Budget Newsletter; Thank you from Martha Bogart; Correspondence from Goshen Public Library and Historical Society on upcoming budget vote; OCSBA Notice of Annual Meeting June 4, 2008; Correspondence from O/U BOCES extending a thank you for supporting their budget; GIS Husky Tales; Post card from National Honor Society’s visit to France; and various newspaper articles.

Mrs. Green opened Privilege of the Floor.

Mrs. Green did not have a report.

There was no Legislative Update.

Mr. Reese introduced Mr. Thomas Connelly of T.J. Connelly Consulting. Mr. Connelly had provided safety training with staff in keeping the District in pro-active safety training and making sure the District was in compliance with SAVE Legislation. Mr. Connelly’s consulting firm consists of retired school administrators. Safety audits were conducted in all four school buildings. The second portion of the training included de-escalation training. Mr. Connelly recommended continue training with the District’s safety teams. Mr. Connelly will follow up in the fall with the staff.

Mr. Reese and the board thanked Mr. Connelly for his report.

Mr. Reese updated the board on the sidewalk construction on Murray Avenue to the Intermediate School. The sidewalks are a collaborative effort with the village and part of a grant received by Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt’s office.

Mr. Miller reported that the transfers requested by the Audit Committee have become part of the Treasurer’s Report effective the February Treasurer’s Report.

Mrs. Unhjem updated the board on the National Honor Society’s trip to France and the Middle School French class trip to Montreal. Members of both teams are planning on attending the May 19 meeting to provide an overview of their trips.

Mrs. Unhjem mentioned the new art display in the hallway. Mrs. Unhjem mentioned the chairs that will be going up for auction during the Festival of the Arts program on May 21.

Mrs. Unhjem reported on the Middle School Quiz Bowl competition which Mr. Watson and Elly Knieriemen participated in. Mrs. Unhjem commended the students and coaches, Diane Bigg and Jackie Chapman. The Goshen team placed third in the competition. Congratulations to all.

Personnel

On a motion by Michael Stroka and seconded by Martha Bogart, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the Consent Agenda as presented. AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Accept child care leave of Jennifer Capozzi grade 3 teacher is requesting a child care leave under the Family Medical Leave Act effective September 2, 2008 through approximately December 23, 2008.

Approve child care leave of Beth D’Addio elementary teacher is requesting a child care leave under the Family Medical Leave Act effective September 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009.

Approve leave of absence of Patricia Gaer Chemistry teacher is requesting a leave of absence under the Family Medical Leave Act effective September 2, 2008 through January 30, 2009.

Approve extension to child care leave of Michele Pacciarelli AIS teacher is requesting an extension to her child care leave under the Family Medical Leave Act effective September 2, 2008 through approximately December 23, 2008.

Approve appointment of Katherine Pardo election worker at a salary of $8.00/hr. for the 2008 Annual Budget and School Board Election.

Approve Disposal of Obsolete Equipment

CSE/CPSE
Subcommittee on Special Education 01/09/08;112489/CJH/ED
01/23/08;110613;BOCES/AI
Committee on Special Education 02/20/08;114053/CJH/Ineligible
Subcommittee on Special Education 03/04/08;110726/GHS/OHI
03/07/08;109082/GHS/SLI
03/11/08;112422/Home/LD
03/13/08;108562/BOCES/LD
03/13/08;106938/BOCES/OHI
Committee on Special Education 03/25/08;110949/GHS/Ineligible
Committee on Special Preschool Ed 03/25/08;115909/Initial/Ineligible
04/02/08;115411/Initial/Student w/disability
Subcommittee on Special Education 04/02/08;110057/BOCES/OHI
04/04/08;113958/GIS/Ineligible
04/04/08;115550/GIS/Ineligible
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 04/18/08;115932/Preschool Itinerant Services Only
Subcommittee on Special Education 03/14/08;111428/GHS/LD
03/17/08;112198/BOCES/MD
03/18/08;110325/BOCES/OHI
03/18/08;114248/GIS/OHI
Committee on Special Education 03/18/08;114426/CJH/OHI
Subcommittee on Special Education 03/18/08;111545/CJH/LD
03/19/08;115055/CJH/LD
03/19/08;113936/CJH/LD
03/19/08;112819/CJH/LD
03/19/08;113922/CJH/ED
03/19/08;112892/GIS/HI
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 03/25/08;115222/Preschool student w/disability
Subcommittee on Special Education 03/25/08;113741/GIS/LD
03/25/08;112425/GIS/SLI
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 03/26/08;115221/Inspire/Preschool student w/disability
Subcommittee on Special Education 04/01/08;115557/CJH/ED
04/02/08;115094/CJH/SLI
04/02/08;112413/GIS/A
03/07/08;115497/CJH/LD
03/14/08;111101/CJH/LD
03/14/08;112161/CJH/LD
03/17/08;115454/BOCES/MD
Committee on Special Education 03/18/08;112939/CJH/LD
Subcommittee on Special Education 03/18/08;113878/CJH/LD
03/19/08;112247/CJH/LD
03/25/08;111117/GIS/SLI
03/25/08;114470/GIS/OHI
03/26/08;112273/CJH/OHI
03/26/08;110854/GIS/LD
03/26/08;111166/GIS/OHI
Committee on Special Education 03/27/08;110629/GHS/LD
Subcommittee on Special Education 03/27/08;110018/GHS/SLI
Committee on Special Education 03/28/08;114054/GIS/ED
Subcommittee on Special Education 03/28/08;113275/GIS/LD
04/01/08;111375/GHS/LD
Committee on Special Education 04/02/08;111223/CJH/OHI
Subcommittee on Special Education 04/03/08;112368/GIS/OHI
04/03/08;114594/GIS/SLI

Mr. Riley joined the board at the table to discuss the status of the District’s agreement with New York Power Authority to provide energy audit services to the District. An extensive audit was conducted during the summer and fall. The report reflects four possible energy savings areas. Mr. Riley recommended the board review their report but would recommend not proceeding with recommendations through their administration of the program. Cost was at 26.9%. The board thanked Mr. Riley.

On a motion by Al Watson and seconded by James Kimiecik upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education enters into an Agreement with Interim HealthCare of Greater New York to provide healthcare staffing services for special education students from May 7, 2008 to June 26, 2008 in the amount not to exceed $53.00/hr. for RN and $43.00/hr. for LPN services (see official contract in minutes) AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Michael Stroka and seconded by Robert Kish the Board of Education approves the appointment of Barbara Butler as Title IX Co-Officer in accordance with Policies 6121 and 7551. AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Robert Kish and seconded by James Kimiecik upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education accepts the assessment corrections as specified by the Orange County Supreme and County Courts as summarized and to direct the Tax collector to take the necessary actions in accordance with Small Claims Assessment Review (SCAR) for Robert & Kim Otruba in the amount of $1,259.30 for the 2007/08 tax year. (see official documentation in minutes)
AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

The board acknowledged the Scotchtown Avenue School PTO’s gift of an extension to the playground fence and purchase of risers with railings to be used for the Music Department’s choral program.

The board thanked the members of the PTO. The value of the two gifts total approximately $15,000.

Mrs. Green opened the second Privilege of the Floor.

The board congratulated Martha Bogart on her recent election to the O/U BOCES Board.

The upcoming Budget Tour to the three local fire departments was announced for May 7, 2008.

Mrs. Green thanked the Citizens’ Budget Advisory Committee for their hard work.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:31 p.m. on a motion by Martha Bogart and seconded by James Kimiecik to enter into Executive Session with no intent to return for the purpose of medical, financial, credit, or employment history of a particular person or corporation, or matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal, or removal of a particular person(s) or corporation.
AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia B. Brown
District Clerk